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The Big Deal About CFLs
Probably the biggest obstacle standing in the way of a mass switch to CFLs is the up front cost. Most consumers still assume they're too hard on the budget. The truth is, CFLs have come down considerably in price. Now, not only are they good for the planet, but they're good for the pocketbook.
They're Efficient
CFL's use 1/4 to 1/3 the amount of electricity as incandescent bulbs. That's because incandescent bulbs waste 90% of their energy putting out heat and use only 10% for visible light. CFL's burn at an average of 100°F, where incandescent bulbs burn hot enough to fry an egg!
They're Long Lasting
A typical household spends $110 dollars per year on lighting. CFL's have a much longer lifespan than regular incandescent bulbs-up to 10 times as long. Replace a regular bulb with a CFL and you can avoid buying ten 75watt bulbs.
They Help Fight Global Warming
 Each CFL will cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 1,300 lbs over its lifetime. |
CFL's help fight global warming in two ways. First, they operate using less electricity. Second, using a CFL means making less incandescent bulbs-a process that produces carbon dioxide. That means that in places where coal is used to produce electricity (in most places), each CFL will cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 1,300 lbs over its lifetime.
They Save You Money
CFL's might cost a little more up front, but they still offer more savings than cheap, inefficient incandescent bulbs by using less electricity to operate and reducing the need to buy replacement bulbs. The average CFL will save you $45 in energy costs alone over the life (10,000 hours) of the lamp (based on $.10/kWh).
Tips for Buying CFLs
Advances in CFL technology have greatly improved their operating efficiency and their performance. No more heavy bulbs, and humming, flickering lights. CFLs are now instant on, quietly flicker-free, and light as a feather.
 CFL's come in a variety of tube shapes and ballast-end sizes. |
Tips for Using CFLs
For the greatest energy savings, use CFLs in fixtures you use most often. They operate most efficiently when they are used for 2 or more hours at a time. Handle CFLs by the plastic base when inserting and removing from fixtures.
Use CFLs in hard to reach fixtures or fixtures where bulbs are difficult to change, like ceiling fans and enclosed outdoor lights.
CFLs and Mercury
CFLs contain less than 4.0 mg of Mercury (assists in starting). That is about 1/1000th of an ounce. Because coal-fired plants making electricity release mercury in their emissions, the use of energy efficient CFLs results in a net reduction of mercury released into the atmosphere compared to using incandescent bulbs.
This amount of mercury isn't considered dangerous in the home, even if a CFL breaks. Still, spent CFLs should be disposed of at hazard waste collection sites like products such as paint, car batteries and thermostats.
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
By
04/21/2007
I hear there's a new LED light coming on the market soon that's even better than the CFLs. Art Bell was talking about it Friday night, 4/20. I wonder how much it will cost and whether it's worth waiting for it.
By nailfanatic (Guest Post)
12/28/2005
Where do you buy these and is there a brand difference? And what is the average price?
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